In cricket, few narratives are as compelling as those of players whose early promise ignites hope, only to find themselves battling the relentless vicissitudes of form. Mominul Haque's story is one such tale—a journey marked by brilliance, a steep decline, and the enduring question of whether time and faith can resurrect his career.
The Spark of Promise
Four years ago, in a Test series against Sri Lanka, Mominul
Haque emerged from obscurity to deliver an innings that caught the discerning
eye. While fans and media were enamoured with the established Mohammad Ashraful,
Mominul quietly crafted a half-century that was far more than a statistic. It
was a masterclass in technique and temperament, showcasing a young batsman’s
potential to stand among the best.
Months later, against a touring New Zealand side, Mominul
dispelled any doubts about his calibre. His stroke play and composure reflected
the makings of a top-order Test batsman—a rare gem in Bangladesh cricket.
The Decline Begins
Yet, as with many prodigious talents, Mominul encountered
the inevitable trough. While his success in Tests distinguished him as a
specialist, his inability to adapt to the shorter formats from 2012 to 2015
hinted at limitations. By 2015, even his Test performances began to wane.
In 2014, Mominul’s batting average stood at an impressive
51.17, but by 2015, it had dropped to 36.86. The following years painted an
even bleaker picture: an average of 23.50 in 2016 and 23.00 in 2017. These
numbers starkly contrasted with the promise of his early years and signalled a
worrying trend of diminishing returns.
The Logical Exclusion
Critics and fans alike were divided over Mominul’s omission
from the recently announced Test squad against Australia. However, the
rationale behind his exclusion seems evident. Cricket, like all competitive
sports, rewards performance and punishes mediocrity. Dropping a player during a
lean patch is not a conspiracy; it is an opportunity—an enforced hiatus to analyze
and refine one's craft.
History is replete with examples of greats like Allan Border
and VVS Laxman, who faced the axe during slumps, only to return stronger. These
legends used their time away from the spotlight to dissect their flaws, work on
their technique, and rebuild their mental resilience.
The Role of Preparation
and Perspective
Cricket is as much a game of preparation as it is of
execution. It demands rigorous study—of one’s own game and of the sport itself.
Armchair critics who vent their frustrations on social media or pen hyperbolic
articles often lack this perspective. Their criticism, aimed at coaches or
selectors, often overlooks the nuances of the game and the challenges of managing
player form and morale.
The Road to
Redemption
Mominul's journey is far from over. Form is temporary, but
class is permanent—a truism that applies to cricketers across generations. He
has the time and the talent to bounce back. The question is not whether he
will, but when and how.
Imagine if Mominul had been picked for the Chattogram Test
and failed again. Would the same critics now lament his exclusion not have
questioned his inclusion? By being allowed time away from the international
stage, he can work on his technical flaws without the crushing weight of expectations.
Cricket Beyond
Emotions
Cricket is a game of strategy, skill, and patience—not one
driven by emotion. The decisions taken by selectors and coaches must prioritize
the team’s long-term interests over individual sentiment. Mominul must now
channel his energies into regaining his form in domestic cricket or through
training academies.
When he returns—and he likely will—it will be a testament to
resilience, discipline, and the wisdom of allowing players the space to grow.
Until then, we must allow him the time he needs to rebuild, trusting that the
selectors and coaches are acting with the team’s best interests in mind.
As fans and critics, our role is to support, not to vilify—to critique with knowledge, not with sentiment. For Mominul Haque, the road to redemption begins not with criticism but with faith.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
No comments:
Post a Comment